Zelensky spoke with EU leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on EU leaders to provide more aid in air defense and ammunition, and to facilitate progress on Ukraine’s path to European integration. The Guardian reported this.

Zelensky noted that all air defense provided to Ukraine, especially by European countries, keeps Ukrainian cities and villages alive.

“But the existing air defense systems are not enough to protect our entire territory from Russian terror. And we are not talking about hundreds of systems, but about an achievable number – to protect the entire territory of Ukraine. You all know what steps need to be taken,” he said.

The head of state thanked for the creation of the Ukraine Assistance Fund in the amount of 5 billion euros and for supporting the Czech initiative to buy shells for Ukrainian soldiers.

“It will help. Thank you. Unfortunately, the use of artillery in front of our soldiers is embarrassing for Europe in the sense that Europe can give more. And now it is very important to prove it,” said the president .

Zelensky also emphasized that it is important not to waste the time needed to intensify defense production.

The President also touched on the subject of trade policy.

“Now the issue of trade – especially the extension of the trade liberalization regime in the EU – is not just a question of some goods, it is a question of the ability to resist Russian aggression,” he said.

The President also criticized the import of Russian agricultural products.

“At the same time, we see that, unfortunately, Russia’s access to the European agricultural market remains unrestricted. And when Ukrainian grains are dumped on roads or railways, Russian products are still transported also in Europe, as well as goods from Putin-controlled Belarus. This is unfair,” Zelensky emphasized.

Regarding the negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, the President emphasized that Ukraine is fulfilling its part of its internal reform obligations.

“We know that the EU has a negotiating framework ready for your consideration. Its approval is very supportive of our people and will send the right signal across Europe after the European Parliament elections in June,” he concluded.

Zelensky also emphasized that progress is needed in the fair use of frozen assets of the Russian Federation.

We remind you that the President had a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. They talked about the implementation of the agreements reached during his recent visit to Ukraine, about the continuation of defense cooperation, in particular, strengthening the Ukrainian air defense.